[Nfbmo] Blind Pension Changes
Eugene Coulter
escoulter at centurytel.net
Sat Jun 12 05:21:31 UTC 2010
Hello everyone,
First, beginning with July checks Blind Pension (BP) and Supplemental Aid to the Blind (SAB) full grants will increase to $686.00 a month that is a $35.00 increase.
Also, FSD is in the process of adding BP/SAB to the automated FAMIS system. Most areas of the state are already done. The computer now will automatically initiate much of the correspondence from FSD including annual reviews. This also means that if the forms are not returned completed timely the computer will also automatically close your case.
The system works as follows: Let us say your review is due in August
The computer will mail a review form on July 5 with a deadline to complete and return the form August 1.
If you return the form the worker will code it into the system and by the end of August do the required work to determine the eligibility.
If the form is not received the computer will send an adverse action notice on August 2 giving you ten more days, about the 13th, to get the form in or your case will close.
If you don't return the form by the 13th at 5:00 the case will close that night and you will have to re-apply from the beginning.
Also, after looking over the form the worker will enter required information into the computer and if any additional information is needed the computer will send a request for information giving ten days to provide the required stuff and if you do not meet that deadline the system will then send the ten day adverse action notice to close your case.
To avoid inadvertent case closings I recommend that recipients of BP/SAB return the form as quickly as possible along with the usual pieces of documentation you know the worker will need such as proof of income other than SSDI/ssi, bank statements,life insurance information,etc.
I hope this information is helpful
Gene Coulter
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